Because nuclear power plants are licensed to operate for long periods, how does one address obsolescence issues in systems built decades ago? As consumers switched from telephone landlines to mobile phones and from typewriters to computers, the nuclear industry is moving from outdated analog technology to newer, more modern digital systems. Digital technology already plays a leading role in many other industries, such as aviation, automotive and Navy nuclear. Transitioning to digital technology is critical to addressing obsolescence in the current nuclear fleet and is further increasing the safety and reliability of U.S. nuclear power plants. An industry-leading example of this transformation is Duke Energy Corp.'s Oconee Nuclear Station. This station is the first and only U.S. commercial nuclear station to employ digital technology for a comprehensive system upgrade. Two years have passed since the station transitioned to a digital instrumentation and control (I&C) system, during which time Oconee has experienced improved safety, reliability and plant availability.
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